One of the most popular places to go for 花見 (Cherry-Blossom Viewing) in Tokyo is Ueno.
We decided to go there yesterday before the end of Sakura season came (which is soon…when Sakura bloom, they don’t stay long).
Here is a video of the Sakura trees and the crowd appreciating the view:
And here’s another video of the Sakura petals falling in the breeze like snow falling:
We were lucky because while we were there we happened to catch a お稚児さん(O-chigo-san) procession.
This is a parade of Buddist monks and local children dressed up in special kimono and make-up to bless the opening of a new temple.
(My kids actually did this once a number of years ago).
Here’s a video we took of the O-chigo-san in Ueno yesterday (The monks who are wearing what appear to be baskets on their heads are hiding their unshaven heads before Buddah. This looks odd even to most Japanese people)
Anyways, here it is:
Tokyo Five 
Neil…
>where can I get one of these baskets!
Try a ￥100 shop! (HAHAHA!)
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where can I get one of these baskets!
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Wow, the video of the 花見 is beautiful! I love everything about the Sakura-they are one of my favorite trees. I remember seeing them one year when we visited Washington DC with Grandma & pa H. when Grandpa was working there for a short time.
I remember when you told us that the girls would be a part of the procession too. we still have the photos you sent. the monks do look funny w/ the baskets on their heads.
tks for sharing all of this Bobby-it is awesome!
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